Schools Guide 2015

Radley College

We're seriously tempted to introduce a Best School Drive prize to our annual awards, and would struggle to find a worthier winner than Radley's, with its stately horse chestnut trees. New warden John Moule has just arrived from Bedford School to take up the Radley reins. A prep-school head reports that he was seriously impressed by his first Moule encounter; another tells us that Mr Mode is keen on broadening access to independent schools, so we wonder if Radley's admissions system might be in for a long-overdue shake-up. They still cling to the name-down-at-birth thing; otherwise try your luck with the Warden's List (boys nominated by the head). 'It's a bit of an anachronism in this multicultural age — very solid, traditional British,' says an observer. Teaching here is tremendous, and boys work hard ('It's not a medals-for-everyone culture,' says a father) for excellent results — 87.9 per cent A*—B at A-level last year. We love the Standing on the Shoulders of Giants lecture programme (the university-style lectures and seminars covering the past 400 years of history). The drama, music, debating and creative writing is outstanding. The sports figures speak for themselves. Last year, there were 23 rugby, 18 hockey and 16 football teams contesting fixtures against other schools. Oh, and 11 rowing crews and 19 cricket teams too. Which all adds up to everyone getting a go. The real-tennis court is one of the busiest in the country, and the beagle pack has just toured Ireland.

LocationAbingdon, Oxfordshire OX14 2HR

Head

John Moule, MA, since September, previously head of Bedford School

Pupils

685 boys, all boarding

Faith

C of E

Ages

13-18

Boarding fees max

£11,075

Oxbridge

12%

Registration

From birth; £100

Admission

Common Entrance if registered early; otherwise via the Warden's List or scholarship exam; school's own exam for sixth form